Compare 3/9 and 6/16
3/9 is smaller than 6/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
3/9 = 3 × 16/9 × 16 = 48/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
6/16 = 6 × 9/16 × 9 = 54/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/144 < 54/144 or 3/9 < 6/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/9 and 6/16 3/9 and 12/16 3/18 and 6/16 3/9 and 6/32 3/9 and 18/16 3/27 and 6/16 3/9 and 6/48 15/9 and 6/16 3/9 and 30/16 3/45 and 6/16 3/9 and 6/80 21/9 and 6/16 3/9 and 42/16 3/63 and 6/16